OREANDA-NEWS. November 30, 2012. Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, today announced that its all-new Forester (Forester 2.0i-L, LHD, European specifications) has won the highest five-star overall rating in the 2012 European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP)* safety performance test. Among a number of top ratings and accolades Subaru has received in crash safety evaluation programs worldwide, this is the third time that the brand was honored with the prestigious five star rating from Euro NCAP following the 2009 rating for the Subaru Legacy and the 2011 rating for the Subaru XV. The announcement also marks the first top rating recognition that the all-new fourth generation Forester has received from the world's leading automobile safety evaluation program since the SUV made its world debut in November 2012.

The 2012 rating reflects the performance of the new Forester against Euro NCAP's latest requirements. A more comprehensive and rigorous assessment system has been implemented since 2009 by Euro NCAP which evaluates "Adult Occupant Protection", "Child Occupant Protection", "Pedestrian Protection" and "Safety Assist". The all-new Forester scored well in all four areas. It was awarded the maximum score for the protection of all the body regions in the side barrier test, and its front bumper scored the highest mark for the protection of pedestrian legs. Subaru further advanced its unique "ring-shaped reinforcement frame body" by optimizing the impact energy relay structure. The use of high tensile steel allows reduction in weight, higher collision safety performance to impacts from all directions and enhanced passenger safety.

Through its brand statement "Confidence in Motion", FHI is committed to offering its customers Subaru's distinctive "Enjoyment and Peace of Mind" driving experience. Subaru will continue to enhance its active, passive and pre-crash safety technologies under the Subaru "All-Around Safety" principle as the foundation of enjoyable, heartsease driving for both drivers and passengers.